Spring 2015 Release

At the time of writing, we’ve received a series of storms in Northern California that hopefully signal the beginning of a wet winter. While these first few storms don’t indicate the end of our three year drought, they represent more rain than is normal for this time of year. We still have a long way to go until there is a real impact on the drought but we’re hopeful given the good start.

While water usage and water rights may not be the most exciting topics, they are incredibly important to California farmers, vintners and politicians right now. The importance of water goes well beyond watering crops. Some of our vineyards are dry-farmed with no irrigation, while others receive small amounts of water, when necessary. The real importance of water for a winery like us is for frost protection.

There are a few tools which can be used to help protect vineyards against the threat of frost. Wind machines work with temperature inversions to mix warm air with lower-lying cold air. Heaters are also used, but not commonly, as a sole source for frost protection because they require large amounts of fuel, are labor-intensive to light, and each heater generally covers only a small portion of an acre. Water is our most effective tool in frost protection. Early in the growing season, when new growth occurs, temperatures can get down to or go below freezing. When water is sprayed on the vines it freezes and forms a protective layer on the outside, which slightly raises the internal temperatures of the plant material (although counterintuitively) and shields the new growth from freezing. Protection during this time is crucial because the freezing temperatures could kill the vine or destroy its ability to produce. So, in order to make the best wines, from

the best grapes, from the best growers, we must pay special attention to our water usage and frost protection.

Back in 2009, when the first discussions around limiting frost water usage in Sonoma County occurred, John Dyson quickly got involved and put together a team of experts to look at all facets of the discussion. In order to better adhere to the coming regulations, he conducted an economic impact study and began working with a team of local growers and vintners to develop frost water monitoring systems and reporting. In 2014, the final court decision (regarding water usage) came down and the monitoring and reporting structure that John and the team recommended is in the process of being adopted.

Conservation and sustainable practices are part of the core values of the winery and our business. You may have noticed

that in your fall 2014 shipment we switched to pulp packaging instead of using Styrofoam. After extensive testing, we determined that there was no temperature variance between the new pulp and Styrofoam packaging. Additionally, the new packaging also maintains label integrity during shipping. We were grateful to finally have a product that adequately protects the wine and is environmentally friendly.

7227 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 T 707.433.6425 F 707.431.4862 contact@williamsselyem.comwww.williamsselyem.com

Old vine stakes upcycled into a fence

Rain!what a welcome sight

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If you’ve visited the winery, you may have seen some of our other sustainable practices in action. One of our first building challenges was determining how to construct a large winery without disturbing the natural beauty of the location. There are a number of large rockformations and dozens of live oaks around the property that needed to beprotected. We employed some intricate building methods to safely construct/situate the winery in between two 300-year-old live oaks. Our loading dock literally curves around one of them. The main production wine cellar is built into the hillside and sits 18 feet underground to help insulate the building and maintain cool temperatures.

We also have solar hot water panels and solar photovoltaic panels for electricity on our roofs. Our green roof, featuring native California grasses, is drought tolerant. We also participate in the Fish Friendly Farming Environmental Certification Program, which is run by the California Land Stewardship Institute, a non-profit organization located in Napa County.

We encourage active list members to visit us at the Estate winery and to share our wines and the Williams Selyem Tasting Salon experience with friends and family. We are currently featuring a selection of WS wines only available through the Tasting Salon, including the 2012 Block 10 Mass Selection Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir and the 2012 Luella’s Garden Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir. Both wines come from the Williams Selyem Estate from blocks only a few feet apart but represent how site, soil, clone and winemaking practices can create two dramatically different wines. At select times, list members also have the opportunity to sample rare wines from our library collection.

We conduct daily, private seated tastings and tours by appointment and recommend scheduling an appointment at least two weeks in advance to ensure we have availability. Please email tours@williamsselyem.com to reserve an appointment or for additional information.

This year, we were excited to celebrate a different type of sustainability: Kammie Hilleary, our Warehouse Manager, had her fifteen year anniversary! She started at Williams Selyem back in 1999 and has been

going strong ever since. She does some of the most back-breaking work at the winery and always does it with a smile and a kind word. Congratulations on fifteen amazing years Kammie!

ImportantDates

MARCH 8Close of Release

MARCH 30Shipping Begins

(weather permitting)

APRIL 17 - 19Pickup Weekend Event at

Williams Selyem Estate Winery

APRIL 20 - MAY 3Pickups by appointment at

Williams Selyem Estate Winery(unclaimed wine will be

shipped on May 5)

APRIL 24 - 26Pickup Weekend Event

at Millbrook Winery in NY

CONTACT USwww.williamsselyem.com

contact@williamsselyem.comPhone: 707-433-6425

Fax: 707-431-4862

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Kammie Hilleary and Rich Eliason

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2013 Central Coast Pinot Noir $39CENTRAL COAST 13.5% ALC.

This vintage exudes flavors of plum and black raspberry, and hints of baking spices combine with anise and musky elements to comprise a classic Central Coast Pinot Noir. The floral side of Tellicherry pepper-corn and notes of lavender offer a wonderful counterpoint to the dark fruit components. The bright acidity peaks in the middle of the palate and finishes with firm but dusty, coffee-like tannins. The signature mineral, chalky feel of this offering is seamlessly woven into the architecture, providing excellent texture.

2013 Sonoma County Pinot Noir $39SONOMA COUNTY 13.7% ALC.

The nose leads with raspberry and fresh mountain strawberry notes followed by a wonderful stone fruit lift. The aromas transition into darker elements of bitter cherry, Carnauba wax, and mocha. Notes of smoky herbs, cinnamon, and black tea are framed with well integrated acid and tannin. The Sonoma County Pinot Noir will offer early enjoyment with its soft and supple mouthfeel and texture.

PINOT NOIR

2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $52RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 14.0% ALC.

The bright, vivid color of the 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir suggests brightness through and through. Red cherry and violets intermix with notes of cinnamon stick, Rooibos tea, and earthen pottery. Red fruits and spice continue on the palate. Laser-like acidity through the middle is balanced with the overall thickness of this wine and gives it a round, polished feel. Allow this wine to blossom in the glass or age for three to five years before enjoying, if you have the patience. This is a classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in the making.

2013 Terra de Promissio VineyardPinot Noir $58SONOMA COAST 14.2% ALC.

This is our third vintage of Terra de Promissio and it continues to be a high performing site. The nose leads with star anise and wet earth, but quickly gives way to cherry pit, blood orange, and grenadine. A touch of purple flowers shows off the lighter side of this dark and brooding wine. In the mouth, it dazzles as potpourri spices intermingle with black cherry and cherry pit flavors. There is a centered quality to this wine, with a perfect balance of acid and tannins. The medium tannic structure seems almost dusty but possesses a refreshing citrus feel, reminiscent of single origin Brazilian coffee. The wine lingers on the palate with great tenacity and a tangy finish.

2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $52SONOMA COAST 13.9% ALC.

Bing cherry and notes of dried cranberry pop in the glass, while underlying notes of wild herbs help balance the profile. Plums and spice round out the aromatics of this Sonoma Coast blend. Bright acidity, with a mandarin orange essence, give way to dark chocolate and a firm black tea finish that is accentuated by hints of toasted almond. With the early and long growing season of 2013, the coastal wines faired very well and benefited from excellent tannin develop-ment. As is typical of the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir blend, patience is required to achieve full integration.

2013 Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir $69RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 13.7% ALC.

Highly expressive on the nose, the 2013 Westside Road Neighbors is a knockout wine, as usual. The gamut of red fruits from cranberry, strawberry, and Montgomery cherry highlight the aromatic fireworks of this wine. The red fruits are complemented by dried citrus peel and blood orange juice. Crushed rocks and minerals permeate the aromas and flavors. The palate echoes the aromatic profile with additional elements of earthy tea and wet terra cotta. Dry, dusty tannins open with aeration and coat the entire palate, while the brilliant acidity provides a lingering finish. This wine will age effortlessly for up to a decade and possibly longer.

2013 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir $75RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 14.1% ALC.

The 2013 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir is very perfumed and brims with red fruits from the darker end of the spectrum. Lookingback, the tasting notes from last year are remarkably similar, which shows the consistency of this 42-year-old vineyard. Aromas of fresh, red roses are interlaced with savory notes of wet earth and celery seed. The acidity is lively throughout the length of the palate and hints of grapefruit pith accent the texture. The acidity seems to carry the red fruit into the mid-palate and finishes with an excellent lift. Enjoy this wine with richer preparations, such as dry-aged filet or lamb shoulder.

Elegant

Medium-Bodied

Full -Bodied

A Noteon the 2013 vintage

With great back-to-back vintages, 2013 was every bit as good as 2012 has proven to be. Amidst concerns about another drought year, the rain gauges filled up to about 80% of the yearly average. The growing conditions were very favorable, which resulted in a remarkably similar growing season to the exceptional 2012 vintage. The only notable difference, however, was the increase of heat units in 2013, as measured by the Growing Degree Day index. With below average rainfall for the season bud break initiated earlier than average along Westside Road. April showers helped to drive good shoot growth and set the plants up for May flowering. Excellent weather at flowering time allowed for fantastic set and a bountiful yield across all appellations and varieties. Even with an earlier start to the growing season, the grapes had the ideal amount of time on the vine to achieve full maturity without any threat of inclement weather late in the season. Wines from the 2013 vintage exhibit extremely pure and polished tannins and the acidity will provide longevity, but the supple structure also offers earlier enjoyment.

My comments on the individual wines are nearby.

-- Jeff Mangahas, Winemaker

CHARDONNAY

2013 Unoaked Chardonnay $39RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 13.2% ALC.

Sourced from multiple sites within the Russian River Valley, the Unoaked Chardonnay always offers a multitude of flavors and aromas. Notes of muskmelon and yellow apple are layered with the aroma of smoky tea. The rich profile almost seems electric on the palate. The quince-like tannic structure and minerality are signature components in this wonderfully expressive Chardonnay. With its refreshing acidity and full-bodied texture, this wine would be the perfect accompaniment to sushi or Dungeness crab dishes.

2013 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay $58RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 14.7% ALC.

The classic Goldridge soil found on the Heintz Ranch is immediately apparent as the wine opens on the nose. Elements of dusty, mineral-rich soil with an almost talcum powder-like quality come to the forefront. These soil-inflected notes give way to flavors characteristic of the site, such as fresh pineapple juice and ripe fejoia fruit. White flowers and crème brûlée add complexity to this exciting offering. The palate exhibits tropical fruit, ripe melon, and Gravenstein apple. Dusty minerals round out the wine with a clean finish of pear skin, which gives excellent length. 2013 was a tremendously successful growing season for the Heintz Ranch.

2013 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay $58RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 14.8% ALC.

The Olivet Lane Vineyeard Chardonnay is always typified by a brightness that shines through both on the nose and palate. Notes of green apple, yellow apple, ripe pear, and quince are married with Tahitian vanilla bean and wood spices. Layered underneath the fruit aromas lie complex elements of shiso leaf and jasmine pearl green tea. The flavors echoed in the aromatic profile are brought together by a fine, linear acidity. The wine finishes with a wonderfully piquant flavor and mineral-like mouthfeel.

2013 Vista Verde Vineyard Late Harvest Gewürztraminer $40/375 mlSAN BENITO COUNTY 8.7% ALC. 19.2% RESIDUAL SUGAR

Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of rose oil and lychee permeate the glass. Underneath these high notes lie elements of yellow apple, muskmelon, and ripe Comice pear. The floral qualities of gardenia give way to powdery, crushed rock notes — typical of the Vista Verde Vineyard. The wine’s sweetness is extremely well-balanced thanks to the acidity, which makes this wine light and graceful. A hint of sweet nutmeg and vanilla on the finish round out this delicious offering.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER ZINFANDEL

2013 Papera Vineyard Zinfandel $55RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 14.8% ALC.

The profile of the Papera Vineyard Zinfandel boasts of heavy black fruits and offers an explosion of aromas and flavors. Intense notes of baking spices, India ink, and coffee intermingle with boysenber-ry, blackberry, peach and nectarine on the nose. Though this wine is comprised of rich flavors, it somehow remains light in weight thanks to hints of violets and purple flowers, and refreshing acidity. Notes of blackberry cobbler and cocoa nib cling to the palate of this classic old-vine Zinfandel.

MARCH 8Close of Release

MARCH 30Shipping Begins

(weather permitting)

APRIL 17 - 19Pickup Weekend Event at

Williams Selyem Estate Winery

APRIL 20 - MAY 3Pickups by appointment at

Williams Selyem Estate Winery(unclaimed wine will be

shipped on May 5)

APRIL 24 - 26Pickup Weekend Event

at Millbrook Winery in NY

CONTACT USwww.williamsselyem.com

contact@williamsselyem.comPhone: 707-433-6425

Fax: 707-431-4862

Along the topic of sustainability, life as we know it at Williams Selyem would not be possible without the support of our loyal list members. Don Kiick represents one of our longest-standing list members and holds the honor of being List Member #5. It’s a pleasure to take a moment to recognize his involvement over the years.

Don began helping out at the original winery, a 2-car garage on River Road. Then, when Howard Allen told Ed and Burt that they shouldn’t work out of the garage and built the facilities on his property, Don moved there along with the rest of the WS team. Don worked at the winery from the mid-80s until 2005.

Today, Don continues to support the brand and winery, and is a regular participant at our bi-annual pickup weekend events. We can always count on

Don to arrive early and ready to work. He is usually recognizable to our guests, as often he is decked out in his San Francisco Giants gear. Go Giants!

It’s thanks to Don and a small group of other long-term list members that Williams Selyem has such a rich and lasting history. And, thank you to all of our list members for sharing your passion for Williams Selyem!

We purchased another vineyard in 2014. The Eastside Estate Vineyard, as it is currently called, is another Russian River Valley Estate Vineyard that we are delighted to add to our family. This vineyard is only a stone’s throw from the vineyards on Eastside Road where we already source grapes from Foss, Calegari, Lone Oak and Hunt-Ryde. We first came to know the vineyard (formerly named 3 Starrs Vineyard) by purchasing a few tons of Chardonnay grapes, which were used in the 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay. It’s planted to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and we have already started replanting some of the older blocks. With its proven quality and ideal location, it was the perfect fit. We look forward to sharing the first wines from this property with you in 2016.

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• Online ordering is strongly encouraged! To access your allocation through the website, log in with the User ID and encrypted Password printed on your order form.

• Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Allocations are not guaranteed; they represent the number of bottles available to you until the wine sells out (which is often before the last day to order). Please place your order as soon as possible for best order fulfillment.

• For bottles beyond your allocation, please use the wish list column. These requests will be filled, if possible, after the close of the release on March 8. You do not need to include payment for wish list wines; we will charge or invoice your account later if the request is filled.

• While online ordering is strongly encouraged, you may fax your completed order form to (707) 431-4862. If paying by check, please send via mail to 7227 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

• Order confirmations will be sent via email. Please verify your address!• Faxed or mailed orders submitted without written payment will not be filled; phone and email orders

are not accepted.

Ordering

• Orders will begin shipping on March 30, weather permitting.• Some states do not permit direct wine shipments, or they may limit the amount of wine we can ship to

you. Please see the back of your order form for more details and shipping/handling fees.• We require a shipping address where there is someone over 21 years of age available to sign for the

package during regular business hours.

Shipping

CALIFORNIA

• If you intend to pick up your wine at Williams Selyem Winery, select the “CA Pickup” option on your order.• Our Spring 2015 Pickup Weekend will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 17- 19, from 10:00 AM to

4:00 PM, at 7227 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448• Winery pickups are available by appointment at Williams Selyem from April 20 - May 3 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Please call or email at least one day in advance to schedule a pickup date: (707) 433-6425 or tours@williamsselyem.com• Orders not picked up by Sunday, May 3 will be shipped at the customer’s expense to the billing address

listed on the order on Tuesday, May 5.• If you would like All Ways Cool (707) 545-7450 or 55 Degrees (707) 963-5513, or Fitch Mountain*

(707) 433-1247 to receive the order on your behalf, you must establish an account and coordinate shipment with that company directly. (*No account required, only prior arrangements with Fitch Mountain needed)

NEW YORK

• If you intend to pick up your wine at Millbrook Winery, select the “NY Pickup” option on your order.• The Spring 2015 Pickup Weekend at Millbrook Winery will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 24 - 26.• Daily winery pickups are available April 27 through May 31 between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, no

appointment necessary. 26 Wing Road, Millbrook, NY 12545, (845) 662-WINE ext. 21, millbrookwinery@millwine.com, www.millbrookwine.com.

WinePickup